Spring is upon us and that means the emergence of abundant greenery and beautiful flowers as the earth wakes up from its long winter nap. Unfortunately, along with all the natural beauty of spring comes one of the most difficult times of the year for asthma and allergy sufferers. It’s no coincidence that May is Allergy and Asthma Awareness month because spring is peak season for allergy and asthma sufferers. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 1 in 5, or 60 million Americans suffer from either asthma or allergies or both. Although there are similarities between the two, asthma and allergies are two distinct conditions. 

Asthma is a disease of the lungs in which the airways become blocked or narrowed which causes breathing difficulty. Allergies are diseases of the immune system that cause an overreaction to substances called “allergens” which can be anything from food, to medications, to pollen to name only a few.  While both conditions can be serious, individuals suffering from these conditions are often able to lead normal, active lives. There are a number of products designed especially to help make breathing easier for allergy and asthma sufferers and Rehabmart is proud to offer a wide variety of these products that will help enhance quality of life for these individuals. 

Allergy sufferers often turn to over-the-counter medications or prescription pills to help ease their symptoms. One safe and natural alternative that has been used for years is steam therapy to help ease breathing. The Mavis Steam Inhaler effectively relieves stuffy noses due to allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis and the common cold. Simply fill the reservoir with the desired solution, adjust the variable steam adjustment to suit your preference and breathe in the soothing vapor. Six to nine minutes later, breathing should be easier and less labored. The Mavix Steam Inhaler comes with a soft, flexible mask, drain and aromatherapy tank, indicator light and measuring cup. The unit can be also used for aromatherapy and comes with an optional facial mask for a moisturizing facial treatment. 

Asthma sufferers are generally all familiar with nebulizers, which are devices that deliver a dose of medication in the form of a vapor that the patient breathes in, usually through a mouthpiece or mask. Usually the units are powered by a noisy air compressor that needs to be plugged in. What sets the Minibreeze Ultrasonic Nebulizer apart from the traditional home nebulizer units is its small, compact size (5 inches tall) and portability. The Minibreeze Ultrasonic Nebulizer is lightweight (under 8 ounces.), quiet and fits easily and comfortably in your hand. It provides relief in only six minutes, unlike other nebulizers which can take ten or more minutes for a full treatment. 

The Minibreeze can be used anywhere because it has three different power options: a DC adapter than can be plugged in to an automobile cigarette lighter, a rechargeable battery pack and a traditional AC adapter that can be plugged into a wall receptacle. Not only can the Minibreeze Ultrasonic Nebulizer travel anywhere, it provides a flexible three options for medicine delivery: mask, nosepiece or mouthpiece. It also comes equipped with automatic shut-off for added safety. The Minibreeze Ultrasonic Nebulizer is available with prescription only.

Allergy and asthma sufferers no longer need to dread the coming of spring with products like these available. So open up those windows and doors and get out there and enjoy the beauty of the season!

Rachel Huber,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO